2017 did not get off to the best start for me, with the sad news that an old friend had died after three years on the rollercoaster that is cancer. Someone very special to us as it was through his family that I met my husband, and someone whose life has threaded through mine for well over a decade now. At 64, he was too young to die and had so much to live for. A beautiful, loving wife and four children in their 20s. Children whose weddings he will never attend, grandchildren he will never hold and cherish, although his very close family will always hold him in their hearts.
Then there have been the usual winter bugs which strike and refuse to move on and which are still lingering now, but with the longer days and brighter sunshine (on the days we emerge from under the grey umbrella which dominates here in winter), I too am feeling brighter and hopefully recovering some of my lost energy.
We did manage a trip to Sussex in sub-zero temperatures, enjoying an invigorating walk on Camber Sands watching the light bounce off the cold, clear water, followed by a whistle-stop tour of the ancient Cinque Port town of Rye, taking time to admire the beautiful 12th century Church of St Mary the Virgin, before driving home through the frost-bound countryside.
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| St Mary the Virgin, Rye |
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| Stained glass, St Mary the Virgin, Rye |
My condolences on the loss of your friend. I have lost a few dear ones over the past five years and know that pain. Cancer is so cruel and takes so many.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we have had a mild spring, I am ready for spring. I need to plant some flowers.
It's always hard to lose someone we care about and cancer seems to be an epidemic now. Spring was in the air yesterday and I loved being out in the garden!
DeleteMarianne, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
ReplyDeleteThank you Molly. You are very quiet these days - hope all is well.
DeleteDear Marianne,
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear about your dear friend's passing. Ever since our return to the island, we have heard of so many villagers and their loved ones who have succumbed to the horrible disease that is cancer.
Your photos of your trip are lovely. Rye looks very charming. We took a day trip high into the mountains a few weeks ago which I found to be quite invigorating.
Hope you are feeling better,
Poppy xx
Dear Poppy, You are kind and yes, cancer is taking a terrible toll - very worrying too. Hope you are enjoying your time in Crete - it must be very special to be back again. Definitely feeling brighter as the days lengthen and my energy is coming back. Marianne xx
DeleteHello! Indeed, I am aching for spring and for sunshine! Your floral pictures are beautiful and so vivid. Here on the Irish Sea no sign of spring flowers -- just a few shoots and the promise of more grey days ahead...
ReplyDeleteHello again. Apparently we are in for more winter weather before the promise of Spring returns, but I hang onto every warm day, every ray of sunshine.
DeleteSuch lovely familiar views, but I'm sorry your visit was for a sad reason. We were on Camber Sands last week. I love it when the tide is out and we see the horses being exercised but those high sand bars terrify me. They tempt people out and as the tide comes in I watch helplessly as it seems to me they have underestimated how fast the channels near the shore fill up and prevent an easy direct return.
ReplyDeleteI know you love that part of the world too, Lucille. Camber is the beach I took my children to for days out, nestling in the sand dunes with a picnic and worrying if they went out too far - the beach seems so safe but as you say, it can be deceptive. Lovely to see you again!
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